We live in a society where women and men alike are free to do what they want when they want especially with their bodies. Despite recent strides in equality, the double standard still exists for women who enjoy casual sex. In 2018, SKYN Condoms conducted a national study, asking approximately 4,000 sexually active millennials about their sex lives. The study found that nearly 54% of respondents view women having casual sex in a negative light. Why is it that a man can sleep around free of judgment, yet a woman is not privy to the same standard?

Fellow Odyssey writer, Jillian recently wrote an article regarding men and their slutty behavior. In her article, she stated, "men are not judged as harshly for their sexual activity." She is 100% accurate. For women, especially college students, there is no right answer. There are labels attached to any decision a woman makes. If we choose to refrain from casual sex, we are seen as a prude, "killjoy" or even a tease. On the other hand, if we do go out and choose to go home with someone, we are referred to as a slut, or get the title "Booty call" or "Pledge Whore." God forbid a woman enjoys casual sex.

News flash for the men out there, it is not your job nor your responsibility to judge a woman for what they do with their body! Whether or not a woman is willing to put out for you, does not give you the privilege to judge them. Part of the problem stems from the fact there is no negative word geared towards men who sleep around. The term "player" often has a positive connotation with members of the male sex. Even the term "Man Whore", if you look it up "whore" refers to a female prostitute. Our vocabulary is lacking in gender equality. Furthermore, why is it that men can use women to have fun, but women cannot use men for the same thing? Why does a woman wanting to have fun and let her hair down immediately make her a slut?

As a society, men and women alike need to stop judging others for said promiscuity and sexual decisions. When you hear someone "slut shame" call them out for their actions, remember you are not their keepers and that individual is free to make their own life choices. Why is the question "Did you sleep with him" so important? We have shifted our vernacular into questioning the act, versus what was gained. I implore you instead to ask "Did you have fun?"

Remember, the number of people someone has slept with does not determine their worthiness, nor this number have any indication of who they are as a person. Most importantly, men, despite the number of people someone has slept with, you still treat women with the respect they deserve! You never know what the situation was which led to said actions. Women may be using sex as a coping mechanism for a traumatic event, or they might just want to have some fun. Remember men, do not judge if you yourself cannot handle the judgment.